What We Are Reading

From the desk of Becky Powell-Schwartz, President & CEO of The Powell Group

Made to Stick
By Chip and Dan Heath
Why do some ideas thrive while others die? How do we improve the chances of worthy ideas or getting our ideas across? Brothers Chip and Dan Heath are accomplished educators and collectors of ideas. This book reveals the anatomy of ideas that stick and explain why some ideas are "stickier" than others. I especially liked the "Velcro Theory of Memory" and creating "curiosity gaps".

Strength Based Leadership
By Tom Rath & Barry Conchie
More than 10 years ago, Gallup unveiled the results of a landmark 30-year research project that ignited a global conversation on the topic of strengths. Since then, Gallup's StrengthsFinder has been taken by more than 3 million people. In this New York Times best seller, the authors not only provide insights into your own strengths as a leader, but also provide a new road map for leading people to a better future and a better understanding on why people follow certain leaders.

The Age Curve: How to Profit from the Coming Demographic Storm
By Kenneth W. Gronbach
Friend and motivational speaker Nancy Barry suggested that I read this book. It's a must read for any marketer, especially as the world changes. What we know for certain is that what worked 15 years ago won't work today and what works today will at some point in the future fall flat. This book provides important insights into how to stay ahead of the curve with the increasing influence of new generations.

Gung Ho! Turn on the People in Any Organization
By Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles
I picked this up from one of The Powell Group's clients. In today's economy, everyone is looking for ways to increase productivity, and these authors focus on foolproof ways to increase productivity by fostering excellent morale.